OCT scanners with better insights - Ocular fundus autofluorescence measurement by means of optical coherence tomography
Ref.-No. 6578
Keywords: Fundus autofluorescence, Spectral domain optical coherence tomography, Function-structure-correlation
Ocular fundus examination is especially important in ophthalmology. It is usually performed by means of fundus autofluorescence (FAF): But FAF imaging is costly, requires a great deal of effort, and is unpleasant for the patient. The new software-based method from the University of Bonn simplifies these diagnostics. It is based on another camera-based diagnostic method: optical coherence tomography (OCT), which uses equipment standard in many ophthalmologist offices. An AI algorithm can now be used to simulate FAF images using many OCT scans, taking advantage of granules distributed in the cell body that have both reflecting and fluorescing properties.
Competitive Advantages
- Expanded function
- Can be integrated into OCT scanners
- Simple operability
- Affordable
Commercial Opportunities
There are about 4,300 ophthalmologists in Germany, all of them potential users. The University of Bonn software could be offered as a functional scope expansion for existing OCT scanners, thereby offering a useful complement to the measurement technology of established OCT manufacturers. Software integration into existing OCT scanner software simplifies ocular fundus examinations for patients, making it less unpleasant. It also reduces examination and equipment costs.
Current Status
There is already initial software as well as suitable training data for the AI algorithm. There is initial test software with an executable computer program. The proof of principle has been established. A German patent application has been submitted to the German Patent and Trade Mark Office. Within the priority year, other applications can be submitted abroad. We are offering interested companies the opportunity to license and refine the technology in collaboration with the inventors and the University of Bonn.
Technology Readiness Level
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Technology validated in lab
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An invention from the University of Bonn.
